WEBVTT TISH: AMIDST THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IT IS EASY FOR PEOPLE TO GET DISTRACTED AND DROP THEIR GUARD. HOLIDAY THEFT PREVENTION IS IMPORTANT AND SOMETHING WE NEED TO BE MADE AWARE OF. SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOTS FILLED WITH CARS ARE TYPICAL THIS TIME OF YEAR. THEY ARE ALL SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE FOR HOLIDAY THEFT, GIVING THIEVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE IT VANTAGE TO RUSH OFFERS WHOM MAY OVERLOOK THEIR USUAL ROUTINE. >> WE TAKE SOME THINGS FOR GRANTED BUT MAKE SURE YOU LOCK YOUR DOORS AND ALL YOUR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP AND HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS IN THE TRUNK. >> JUST COULD THAT BACK THERE. TISH: SHOPPERS LIKE JACKIE ARE PROACTIVE, LEAVING NOTHING IN THE CAR THAT COULD HE ATTRACTIVE TO A WOULD-BE THIEF. >> WE DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING IN THE BACK SEATS AT ALL. TISH: THEY PLAN AHEAD ON WHICH VEHICLE WE TAKE. >> WHEN WE GO SHOPPING THIS TIME OF YEAR WE UTILIZE THE CARS WITH THE SUV YOU CAN STILL SEE IN THE BACK ALTHOUGH YOU PUT ITEMS IN THE BACK TO -- BACK. TISH: ANOTHER WAY TO STAY VIGILANT IS USING THE BUDDY SYSTEM. THEY DO NOT GET CAUGHT CARRYING MULTIPLE SHOPPING BAG THAT ONCE, MAKING THEM LOOK LIKE A FAST AND EASY TARGET. >> WE TRY TO COME OUT AND PUT THINGS IN THE CAR SO WE DO NOT CARRY IT FROM STORE TO STORE. TISH: A VULNERABLE SPOT AS OUTSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR. ADVERTISING PORCH CAMERAS AND SURVEILLANCE, ALONG WITH STAYING ON TOP OF DELIVERY TRACKING IS KEY. >> USE YOUR TEXT NOTIFICATIONS, EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE SCHEDULE OF THE DELIVERY. BE ALERT AND MORE VIGILANT. >> THE GOAL IS THAT THESE TIPS BECOME HABIT-FORMING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Whether it’s porch pirating or thieves hoping to steal shopping bags out of your car, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season brings an increase in crimes of opportunity. Busy parking lots and porches are two of the most vulnerable locations, according to the Sacramento Police Department. “Major parking lots, such as the mall, the gym, movie theaters, places where people are going to be parked for several hours at a time,” said Officer Marcus Basquez. Basquez says the rush of shopping causes people to sometimes forget common safety measures such as locking cars and rolling up windows -- and that’s just what would-be thieves are looking for. “I know we take some of those things for granted, but make sure you lock your doors, make sure all windows are rolled up, hide belongings in the trunk,” Basquez said. Basquez also recommends not shopping alone and parking in well-lit areas. When it comes to package deliveries, utilize tracking systems, he says. “By all means, use your text notifications, email notifications. Make sure you know the schedule of the delivery. Overall, be more vigilant, be alert, be cognizant,” Basquez said.

Whether it’s porch pirating or thieves hoping to steal shopping bags out of your car, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season brings an increase in crimes of opportunity.

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Busy parking lots and porches are two of the most vulnerable locations, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

“Major parking lots, such as the mall, the gym, movie theaters, places where people are going to be parked for several hours at a time,” said Officer Marcus Basquez.

Basquez says the rush of shopping causes people to sometimes forget common safety measures such as locking cars and rolling up windows -- and that’s just what would-be thieves are looking for.

“I know we take some of those things for granted, but make sure you lock your doors, make sure all windows are rolled up, hide belongings in the trunk,” Basquez said.

Basquez also recommends not shopping alone and parking in well-lit areas. When it comes to package deliveries, utilize tracking systems, he says.

“By all means, use your text notifications, email notifications. Make sure you know the schedule of the delivery. Overall, be more vigilant, be alert, be cognizant,” Basquez said.